The ultimate character and direction of the political winds whipping around us are as yet still undetermined. But in places like New York City, there are new possibilities opening up for progressives to organize for transformative change to deepen democracy and promote justice. Last week at NYU’s Greenberg Lounge with Partners for Dignity & Rights, we hosted a critically relevant panel conversation with movement leaders from Jackson, Mississippi, Barcelona, Spain, and Budapest, Hungary. Each panelist spoke to their experiences with progressive movements that seized and worked to wield governing power at the municipal level, reflecting on the myriad challenges and opportunities of such political moments. The conversation addressed everything from the need to take independent narrative power seriously to the capacity crunch that can accompany trying to organize inside and outside strategies simultaneously. We look forward to sharing more insights from the conversations sparked at this event in the weeks and months ahead!
Beyond Elections: Building Power for Co-Governance - Reflections & Lessons for Progressive Movements
We are in the midst of a period of momentous political upheaval.
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2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
We invite current law students from New York-area law schools or with New York-area summer internships to apply to our fourth annual Law & Organizing Academy (LOA)
2025 End of Year Report
2025 End of Year Report
2025 has been a jam-packed year at The Action Lab! To learn more about our year of sparking imaginations and driving change, check out our 2025 End of Year Report.
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Rivers of Care at the COP in Brazil
Rivers of Care at the COP in Brazil
In partnership with indigenous leaders and organizers, and allies from the labor movement, The Action Lab traveled to the Cop 30 in Belém, Brazil.
Empire City - Real History and the Realities of Policing Today
Empire City - Real History and the Realities of Policing Today
The mainstream narratives tell us that police are here to protect us.
The Border Is a Story
The Border Is a Story
Last month, we hosted the 2025 convening of The Border Is A Story with our Advisory Board Members, Kelly Lytle Hernandez and Alex Rivera.
Who We Are
Who We Are
In this video, produced for our concert announcing Common as our 2025 Belafonte Fellow, we explore The Action Lab's history, mission, and vision for the future of movement and culture.
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Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, 50, has been found dead at his home
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, 50, has been found dead at his home
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, who was best known for his work with the Fugees and Wyclef Jean, has died. He also served on our Advisory Board and was a beloved collaborator and ally.
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Dennis Leroy Kingalee’s Play Takes on New Life
Dennis Leroy Kingalee’s Play Takes on New Life
The Kangalee Arts Ensemble, led by our Advisory Board member and Artists in Action fellow Dennis Leroy Kangalee, was recently awarded an artist initiative grant from the Venturous Theater Fund for: My Dying City Vol. II (The Social Justice Suicide Hour).
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
We invite current law students from New York-area law schools or with New York-area summer internships to apply to our fourth annual Law & Organizing Academy (LOA)
Rios do Cuidado | Encontro Comunitário - Belém, Pará
Rios do Cuidado | Encontro Comunitário - Belém, Pará
Rivers of Care was a community gathering held in Belém, Pará, that brought together Indigenous leaders, environmental defenders, cultural workers, community communicators, and organizers from across the Americas.
Solidarity Organizing Initiative
Solidarity Organizing Initiative
As we head into the new year, we are welcoming the Solidarity Organizing Initiative staff to The Action Lab staff team to take this work to the next level.
My Dying City Vol. II
My Dying City Vol. II
A new stage work by Dennis Leroy Kangalee, an Action Lab Artist in Action, explores grief, activism, and movement fracture under rising authoritarianism, using theater as a space to wrestle with the emotional and political costs of long-term organizing.
Join The Action Lab
Be part of the movement. Join The Action Lab’s network of artists, organizers, and community leaders working to create lasting change. Sign up to get updates, event invitations, and opportunities to take action.
